News

The University of Illinois Springfield and Springfield Clinic Sports Medicine have commenced a partnership effective immediately, as announced by Director of Athletics, Kim Pate. The partnership will provide UIS with sports medicine physician coverage and was developed with an emphasis on quality of care, improved access, and enhancement of the UIS student – athlete experience.

"We are excited to enter into a partnership with Springfield Clinic," said Pate. "I feel we will be able to enhance our student-athlete experience and level of sports medicine care through this partnership. Springfield Clinic offers a reputation of quality physician care, access to highly respected board certified sports medicine trained physicians, and the comprehensive coverage necessary to support our NCAA Division II student-athletes' needs."

With more than 400 physicians and advanced practitioners, Springfield Clinic is a progressive, physician-led multi-specialty medical group, devoted to providing the highest quality health care to its patients. Springfield Clinic celebrated their 75th anniversary in 2014 and currently employs more than 2,000 clinical and administrative staff members who are committed to leadership in quality, service and technology. For more information, go to www.SpringfieldClinic.com.

With this partnership, UIS will now have a board certified sports medicine non – operative orthopedic team physician who can refer to a wide range of specialists throughout Springfield Clinic's network of care. Marc DeJong, MD will serve as the team's lead physician in non-operative orthopedic sports medicine, while Diane Hillard-Sembell, MD and Christopher Wottowa, MD will serve as the team's primary orthopedic surgeons focused in their respective specialties of lower and upper extremity injuries.

"As a relative newcomer to Springfield Clinic, I am proud to be part of this medical organization and excited and honored to be part of the medical team caring for student-athletes at UIS," said DeJong. "I look forward to being part of an excellent team of sports medicine doctors working with the UIS athletic training staff."

"Many of us were also collegiate athletes and remain very athletic today. So we understand how important it is to have prompt treatment, a team approach, and state-of-the-art rehabilitation," said Dr. Hillard-Sembell. "We can relate to the athletes, and focus on getting each player back in action as efficiently and safely as possible."

Dr. Wottowa, reflected that, "Springfield Clinic's Orthopedic physicians have enjoyed taking care of area athletes for more than 30 years. The athletic leadership at UIS has developed an excellent platform for multiple collegiate sports and we are proud to be associated with UIS."

UIS will also add a full-time strength and conditioning coach to the Sports Medicine Team, this position will support all 15 intercollegiate sports to enhance performance and prevent injuries. Additionally, one of the three physicians will be on site for all home conference basketball games, as well as be on campus once a week to provide a clinic and facilitate access six days-a-week at Springfield Clinic's Ortho 1st clinic. Now, student – athletes will be able to work around class and competitive schedules to gain access to the care they need.